When you get burned, your skin can take a long time to heal. Fortunately, there are various ways to speed up the healing process. If you think it is a serious burn, start seeking medical attention. In case of a mild burn, try cleaning the affected area and protecting the wound. Plus, provide your body with the fuel it needs to recover by eating healthily.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Acting Immediately
Step 1. Recognize the degree of the burn
Some burns can be treated at home, but others require medical attention. As soon as you burn yourself, take a moment to assess the severity of the injury. It can get worse over five days, so keep an eye on her to see if she is healing.
- In the event of a small first-degree burn, the skin becomes red but does not blister. It almost always heals in less than 10 days, leaving no scars.
- Second-degree ones produce redness and blistering. The pain can be quite severe, so you may want to seek medical attention to prevent infections and scar formation.
- Third degree burns are deep wounds that penetrate the underlying layers of the dermis. Go to the emergency room immediately.
Step 2. Run cold water
It will help soothe the burn and start the healing process while minimizing the risk of skin injury. As soon as you can, put the affected area under cold water or pour it over it. Try to keep the site under water for at least twenty minutes.
- This measure is useful both when the burn is first degree, and in the case of second and third degree burns. However, don't use cold water on severe burns that cover large areas of the body. The affected person could experience hypothermia and thermal shock.
- Ice on a burn can actually cause further skin damage. Instead, just apply cold running water to the injured area.
Step 3. Use a cool, clean cloth until the ambulance arrives in case of a severe burn
It will help keep your skin fresh, aiding the healing process. Plus, it will reduce your exposure to germs. Lift and move the cloth from time to time to keep it from sticking to your skin.
Do not use wet wipes or occlusive dressing
Step 4. Hold the injured area above heart height
This recommendation applies to both second-degree and third-degree burns. Raise the affected limb to reduce swelling and pain.
For example, if the burn is on the forearm, the patient should lie on his back and rest the injured arm on a soft pillow, placed next to him
Step 5. Call the emergency room for third-degree burns
This type of burn is characterized by a white, yellow or bright red appearance as it damages the upper layers of the dermis. Get the injured person to safety and call the ambulance immediately. If you are alone, get help right away, as third-degree burns can cause thermal shock.
Clothes can retain heat, so if they are not too tight, they should be removed as soon as possible. This measurement does not apply to fabrics that tend to stick together, such as nylon
Step 6. Call the ambulance if the wound covers a sensitive area of the body
Regardless of its severity, you should seek medical attention immediately if the burn is in a particularly sensitive area, such as the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks, and major joints.
Part 2 of 3: Follow the Doctor's Advice
Step 1. Know when to see your doctor
To speed up the healing process, you need to be proactive and know when professional help is needed. See your doctor if you have a fever or if the wound starts to smell bad. They can be signs of infection. You should also consult him if the wound becomes further red, swollen, painful, or secretes copious amounts of fluid.
It is necessary to seek medical attention especially if the secreted liquid is not clear
Step 2. Change dressing as directed by your doctor
If you've gotten a minor burn and are treating it with bandages, check it every 2 hours to make sure they haven't gotten dirty. If it is more severe and the dressing was done by your doctor, you will probably need to remove and replace it every 4-7 days. To speed up the healing process, it is important to keep bandages as clean and dry as possible.
Step 3. Take antibiotics or steroid drugs according to the prescription
If your doctor prescribes medications for you, he has done so because there is a risk that further pathological or infectious processes will develop. If the burn becomes infected, it will impair healing. This is why it is important to follow all antibiotic or steroid therapy that has been indicated to you.
For example, your doctor may prescribe a common antibiotic, such as oxacillin, to help prevent infections. Alternatively, they may give you steroid medications in the form of tablets or injections to speed up your recovery
Step 4. Massage the wound with an ointment recommended by your doctor
You will need to prevent the injured area from coming into contact with cosmetics or beauty products. However, your doctor may prescribe an ointment or suggest a particular brand to prevent scarring and reduce itching. Usually, it needs to be applied about 4 times a day.
Spread it with your fingers making circular movements that cover a very large portion of the skin and favor its absorption
Step 5. Wear compression garments for severe burns following directions
In the event of a minor burn, loose garments help prevent further irritation as the wound heals. However, if it is a second or third degree burn, it is possible to speed up the healing process by using compression garments that evenly distribute the pressure on the skin, facilitating healing rather than swelling.
Ask your physiotherapist or ergotherapist if they can order a compression garment for you
Part 3 of 3: Try Other Methods to Stimulate Healing
Step 1. Take an anti-inflammatory
Ibuprofen can quickly relieve swelling by getting the body to focus on healing the wound. Read the package leaflet of any medicine carefully. If you are on medication prescribed by your doctor, consult your doctor before taking an over-the-counter medication. You will likely need to take it every 4-6 hours.
If you have a severe burn, avoid applying creams or ointments, such as petroleum jelly, as they can complicate your doctor's observation and evaluation
Step 2. Use a self-medication product
At the pharmacy you can find a wide range of ointments and gels formulated for the relief and healing of burns. Look for a product that contains aloe vera or hydrocortisone. Avoid those with petroleum jelly, benzocaine, or lidocaine, as they can irritate the skin.
- Read and follow the package insert of any non-prescription product carefully.
- Aloe vera helps replenish skin nutrients, while hydrocortisone relieves itching.
Step 3. Apply the Vitamin E capsules after consulting your doctor
You can buy them at the pharmacy. To use vitamin E directly on the skin, pierce the tip of the capsules with a sterile needle and press the gel onto the injured area. It will help cell regeneration once new skin begins to form. Alternatively, swallow the capsule.
Consider taking zinc and vitamin C along with vitamin E, as this combination can speed up wound healing
Step 4. Use honey
Get a jar of zero kilometer organic honey. Use a spoon to pour it over your fingertips. Then, smear it on the wound in circular motions. Repeat this 2-3 times a day. Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, thus accelerating the healing process.
- You can also apply it to sterile gauze and bandage the injured area. This method works best if you are concerned about an infection, as it reduces contact with the burned area.
- If you can't find locally produced organic honey, look for manuka honey, which has antibacterial properties.
Step 5. Drink lots of water
Aim to consume at least 8 glasses a day, if not more. The body needs a significant amount of water to heal and avoid becoming dehydrated. The urine should be almost clear. If it has a heavier color, try increasing your water consumption.
Step 6. Eat a nutrient-rich diet
Burns cause the body to burn a lot of calories quickly. Basically, they accelerate the metabolism in the period of convalescence. Therefore, try to eat protein foods, such as eggs or peanut butter. Avoid junk foods and "empty" calories, such as fruit juices.
A single burn can speed up metabolic processes by 180%
Step 7. Eat food or omega-3 supplements
During convalescence it is essential to reduce the inflammation affecting the wound. Foods like fresh fish can help reduce swelling and provide the fuel needed for healing.
Other omega-3 rich foods include soy, walnuts, and flax seeds
Step 8. Try to get 8-9 hours of sleep every night
Turn off all lights or use blackout curtains. Ask other people living in the house not to disturb you. Use a sleeping mask and keep the bedroom cool enough. The body accelerates the production of growth hormone (HGH) in the first few hours of sleep. This same hormone is capable of shortening healing times.
Step 9. Wear loose fitting clothing
Opt for cotton-blended garments that don't stick to the body, otherwise there is a risk of them sticking to the wound causing further damage when you take them off. Loose clothing promotes the transpiration of the skin around the burn, accelerating the healing and healing process.
Step 10. Avoid scratching the injured area
By tearing blisters or peeling off damaged skin, you will be even more exposed to unpleasant infections. Wait for the dead skin to fall off on its own, as it has the job of protecting the regrowth of the underlying one.
If clothing or dressings stick to the wound, try soaking the fabric with clean water before pulling it gently
Advice
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before touching the wound or the gauze you need to bandage it with. This way, you will reduce the spread of germs to the affected area.
- Consider applying aloe vera gel to the burn. It can help heal first and second degree burns, but the effectiveness of this remedy requires further scientific research.
Warnings
- While it may seem like a minor burn at first, trust your instincts to see if you need to see your doctor.
- If you got a burn on your face, avoid wearing makeup. You risk slowing healing and causing an infection.
